Rhiannon Hendricks
Sewing a corset into a wedding dress can be a great way to ensure a perfect fit for your big day. Whether you've bought a dress that doesn't quite fit or want the option to adjust your size, adding a corset can be a stylish and practical solution. With the right materials and techniques, you can create a beautiful and functional garment that enhances your figure and gives you the flexibility to move and breathe comfortably. While it may seem like a daunting task, many online tutorials and communities are dedicated to sharing tips and tricks for creating corseted wedding dresses. So, whether you're an experienced seamstress or a beginner, sewing a corset into your wedding dress can be an achievable goal with the right guidance and preparation.
Characteristics and values of sewing a corset into a wedding dress
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to add a corset | When the wedding dress fits everywhere but won't zip up at the back |
| Who can add a corset | A professional tailor or seamstress |
| What you need | Material for lacing loops, sewing machine, polyester thread, zipper foot straight stitch, etc. |
| How to add a corset | Remove the zipper, cut fabric for lacing loops, sew loops into the dress, thread ribbon through the loops, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right material for the lacing loops
When choosing the material for the lacing loops of your wedding dress corset, it is important to consider the colour and texture of your dress. The material should ideally match the colour and texture of the dress, but if you cannot find the right colour, you could opt for a contrasting colour in the same material.
The material should be cut into 1-inch wide strips, which will then be sewn into long, thin tubes. A strip of fabric that is 1-inch wide and the length of the corset back you are creating, plus an extra 6 inches, should be sufficient. You will then cut the tubes into 1 ¼-inch segments, which will be sewn into both sides of the dress where the zipper used to be.
For the lacing itself, you may want to consider the strength and springiness of the material. Cotton and natural fibres are often used for the strength layer in corsets because of their breathability, while nylon or polyester-based laces are favoured for their strength. Polyester cord tends to have some "spring" to it, which can be frustrating when dealing with long laces. A thinner cord, such as the rat tail cord, may be a good option as it is strong, inconspicuous, and does not have the same springiness as polyester cord.
Another option is paracord, which is able to withstand up to 550 pounds of tension before breaking. However, some people find that the coloured outer coating and inner cords twist and bunch up, making the corset difficult to lace up. Additionally, the thin cord can cut into the hands when lacing up.
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Removing the zipper
To remove the zipper from a wedding dress, you will need a seam ripper. This is the best tool for the job as it allows you to cut the stitches holding the zipper in place without damaging the fabric of the dress. The blade of a seam ripper is shaped like a crescent, with a sharp area in the middle that cuts the threads.
Before you start, note how the zipper is positioned. Look at how it is sewn into the dress. Is the zipper material visible or hidden? Does it peek out from the raw edges of the fabric? You will want to sew your new corset in the same way, so it is important to take note of this before you remove the zipper.
Now, begin cutting the threads with your seam ripper. As you go, gently pull on the zipper fabric to loosen up the threads for cutting. This will make more space between the zipper fabric and the dress fabric, allowing you to get at the threads more easily. After you have cut all the threads holding the zipper in place, remove any stray threads with your fingers.
Once the zipper is removed, you will be left with the two sides of the dress fabric, which you can now sew your corset into.
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Sewing the loops into the dress
To sew the loops into the dress, you will first need to cut your chosen material into 1-inch wide strips. The length of the strips should be the length of the corset back you are creating, plus an extra 6 inches to allow for any additional loops you may need. Fold the strips in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron the strips flat. Sew the strips into long, thin tubes, and then cut the tubes into 1 1/4-inch segments.
Now you can begin to sew the loops into the dress. Attach the loops to both sides of the dress where the zipper used to be. It is important that the loops are evenly spaced and the same distance apart on both sides of the bodice. To stabilize the loops, you can use stiff boning-by-the-yard and hold them in place with Clover Wonder Clips until they are sewn. Sew the loops to the dress with a straight stitch down the center of the boning. Reinforce the loops with additional horizontal zigzag stitches at each loop end to ensure they stay securely in place.
Once the loops are sewn into the dress, you can thread ribbon through them to lace up your dress.
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Threading ribbon through the loops
Firstly, cut the material for the lacing loops. Choose a material that matches the texture and colour of your dress. Cut it into 1-inch-wide strips, then fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron it flat. Sew the strips into long, thin tubes, and cut them into 1 ¼-inch segments.
Next, sew the loops into both sides of the dress where the zipper used to be. You can space the loops apart as you prefer, but it is recommended to have about 28 loops on each side.
Now you are ready to thread the ribbon. Take the ribbon and thread one end into the loop on the opposite side, then do the same with the other end, just like tying a shoelace. Continue threading the ribbon through the loops, pulling outwards on the second ribbon to tighten the dress. Repeat this process for as many loops as you have, trying to keep the ribbons as straight as possible.
Finally, put the laces underneath the skirt and feed both ends of the ribbon through the hole at the bottom of the corset. Pull the ribbon ends down to ensure the corset is tight and sits nicely. You can tie the ribbons in a bow or any other style you prefer.
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Creating a modesty panel
A modesty panel can be added to a wedding dress to increase coverage, especially for a church wedding. This can be done by sewing a panel of fabric to the inside of the dress, just below the neckline opening. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a modesty panel:
First, put on the dress and measure how high you want the panel to be, or how much cleavage you want to be covered. Then, lay the dress on a flat surface and measure the width of the panel, ensuring that the fabric is not stretched. Cut out a triangle of fabric for the panel, choosing a material that matches your dress. The height of the triangle should be the measured height plus 1 inch, and the width should be the calculated width. Finish the raw edges of the triangle sides using a serger or a simple zig-zag stitch.
Next, hand-stitch the bottom of the triangle to the inside of the dress, just below the neckline opening. Mark where the panel hits the dress when closed, and attach snaps to both the top of the panel and the inside of the dress. This will allow the panel to be removable. Alternatively, you can sew the panel shut using a ladder stitch, or attach it with snaps for a removable option if you prefer a backless dress.
If you are creating a modesty panel for a plunging V-neck, you can use extra fabric from the dress, such as the train or hem, or a flesh-coloured piece of fabric. You can also add a layer of tulle or chiffon over the panel for a more subtle look.
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Frequently asked questions
To sew a corset into a wedding dress, first remove the zipper from the dress using a seam ripper. Cut the fabric for the lacing loops into 1-inch-wide strips, sew the strips into long, thin tubes, and cut the tubes into 1 ¼-inch segments. Sew the loops into both sides of the dress where the zipper used to be, and thread ribbon through the loops to lace up your dress.
The loops must be the same distance apart on either side of the bodice and evenly spaced. You can use stiff boning-by-the-yard to make the loop sets and hold them in place until they are sewn.
A modesty panel is a piece of fabric that covers the back of a dress where there is a large gap between the lacing. To make one, cut a piece of fabric that is 10 inches wider than the gap in the gown. Sew the panel to the left side of the gown, next to the left loop set.
Yes, it is possible to add a corset to a dress that has straps. You can cut off the straps and add a corset back to the dress.
